Chapter 9: The Social Impact Of Personal Learning Environments

Although the personal learning environment (PLE) is a very new term (van Harmalen, 2006, argues the first recorded use of the term is November 4, 2004), the concept represents the latest step in an alternative approach to e-learning which can trace its origins to earlier systems such as Colloquia, the first peer-to-peer learning system (released as Learning Landscapes in 2000), and to more recent phenomena such as the Elgg system released in 2003. The PLE approach is based on a learner-centered view of learning and differs fundamentally from the alternative learning management systems or virtual learning environments approach both of which are based on an institution- or course-centered view of learning. Van Harmelen (2006) describes personal learning environments as “systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to